Progressive gaming device and method of use

ABSTRACT

A gaming device provides several progressive jackpots that can be randomly funded. The gaming device includes a gaming apparatus that allows a player to play a game and a controller. The controller can determine if a jackpot qualifig event has occurred. A display device displays several progressive jackpots. A random number generator and the controller select at least one of the progressive jackpots to be awarded to a player. The invention also includes a gaming method. A player is allowed to place a wager and play a game of chance. A game outcome is determined. The game outcome can be a jackpot qualifying event and a game payout. If the game outcome is the jackpot qualifying event, several progressive jackpots are displayed to the player. At least one of the progressive jackpots is selected to be awarded to the player.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gaming devices and, more particularly,to a gaming device that provides several progressive jackpots that canbe randomly funded.

BACKGROUND

Gaming devices are well known in the art and a large variety of gamingdevices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allow users orplayers to play a game. In many casino-type gaming devices, the outcomeof the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly generated event.For example, a gaming device may use a random number generator togenerate a random or pseudo-random number (hereinafter, both types arereferred to as a “random number” ).

The random number can be used to determine a game outcome. For example,the random number may then be compared to a predefined table todetermine a corresponding outcome of the event. If the random numberfalls within a certain range of numbers on the table, the player may winthe corresponding predefined prize. The table may also contain displayinformation that allows the gaming device to generate a display thatcorresponds to the outcome of the game. The gaming device may presentthe outcome of the game on a large variety of display devices, such asmechanical spinning reels or video screens.

Some gaming devices award bonus prizes in addition to prizes that areawarded in a primary game. Of course, the prize in the primary game maysimply be the opportunity to play the bonus game. A bonus prize isgenerally defined as a prize in addition to the prize obtained from theprimary game and that is awarded to the player when a predefined eventoccurs. An example of a bonus game can be found in U.S. Pat. No.5,848,932 to Adams. Adams discloses a primary game having three spinninggame reels and a bonus game having a bonus display with one spinningwheel. The spinning wheel is divided into multiple sections, and eachsection has a symbol representing a prize. When predetermined indiciaare displayed on the spinning game reels of the primary game, the wheelof the bonus display spins and stops. The bonus prize is displayed asthe symbol on the wheel being pointed to by a pointer. The bonus prizeis awarded in addition to any prizes awarded in the primary game.Another bonus game is disclosed in Baerlocher et al. (U.S. Pat. No.6,336,863). Baerlocher et al. discloses a slot machine with a bonusaward display. The bonus award display has a bonus wheel and amechanical, movable pointer.

Gaming devices in casinos are more successful when they are able tocaptivate and hold a game player's interest for a long period of time.When a game player plays a gaming device for a longer period of time,more revenue is generated for the casino. A game player may loseinterest with a game that has a static display that changes very littleover time or that they player deems to be unattractive.

One way gaming device manufactures have added additional enjoyment andexcitement to gaming devices is through the advent of progressivegaming. Progressive games have become very popular in casinos.Progressive slot machines contain jackpots that increase every time aplayer places a wager in a primary game of the slot machine. Progressivejackpots involve one or more gaming machines. For example, an individualprogressive slot machine has a self-contained jackpot, wherein thejackpot grows with every play of that machine. A linked progressiveincludes two or more slot machines at the same or different locationsconnected to a common jackpot, each of which individually contribute tothe jackpot. The gaming machines usually take a percentage of theplayer's wager, such as 2%, and add it to the progressive jackpot. Thisallows the progressive jackpot to grow over time. The progressivejackpots can reach sizeable amounts, such as multi-million dollarjackpots, before a player “hits” or wins the progressive jackpot.

Large progressive jackpots can be very attractive to casino gameplayers. Furthermore, as the progressive jackpot grows, so does thegame's payout percentage because the game pays out more while thelikelihood of receiving the progressive award or jackpot remainsconstant. Players looking to inject skill or strategy into a gamingevent therefore look to find progressive games having relatively highprogressive jackpots, i.e., games that have not recently paid out. In aneffort to fiuther increase the excitement and enjoyment of progressivegames and gaming devices in general, it is therefore desirable to injectplayer interaction, skill, strategy or risk into a progressive gamingdevice.

Unfortunately, progressive jackpots pay awards very infrequently. Thelong periods of time between progressive awards causes gaming machineplayers to eventually lose interest in the game and stop playing. Thisis especially true in casino locations where a large number of linkedprogressives are located. It can appear to game players in theselocations that there are no winning game players and that theprogressive prize will almost never be awarded.

What is needed is a gaming device that awards several progressivejackpots and that can award more progressive jackpots more frequently toincrease and prolong player interest.

SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Advantages of One or MoreEmbodiments of the Present Invention

The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do notnecessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

the ability to provide game players with a more exciting and desirablegaming experience;

the ability to attract more patrons to play a game;

provide longer play times and a greater payout possibility for a player;

provide greater revenues for gaming operators;

provide a gaming device that can award more progressive jackpots to moreplayers more frequently;

provide a gaming device that utilizes a visually appealing and highlyvisible display;

provide a gaming device that may allow a player to win one or more thanone progressive jackpot;

provide a gaming device that may allow a player to win all of theprogressive jackpots;

provide a gaming device that can fund several progressive jackpots in arandom manner;

provide a gaming device that can fund several progressive jackpots bychanging the percent allocation to each jackpot during a time period;and

provide a gaming device that can fund several progressive jackpots byrandomly selecting a distribution from a list of distributions.

These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remainingportions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

Brief Description of One Embodiment of the Present Invention

In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming devicethat includes a first controller that has a first random numbergenerator. The first controller is configured to accept a primary gamewager and determine a primary game outcome. The primary game outcomeincludes a primary game payout and a jackpot qualifying event. The firstcontroller fiuther is configured to award a primary game prize if theprimary game outcome is a primary game payout. A second controller is incommunication with the first controller and has a second random numbergenerator. The second controller is configured to display severalprogressive jackpots and if the primary game outcome is a jackpotqualifying event, to award at least one of the plurality of progressivejackpots.

In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming method.According to the method, a player is allowed to place a wager and play agame of chance. A first game outcome is determined. The first gameoutcome can be a jackpot qualifying event and a first game payout. Ifthe first game outcome is the jackpot qualifying event, severalprogressive jackpots are displayed to the player. At least one of theprogressive jackpots is selected to be awarded to the player.

The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of oneembodiment of the present invention so that the detailed descriptionthat follows may be better understood and contributions of the presentinvention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodimentsof the present invention may not include all of the features orcharacteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course,additional features of the invention that will be described below andwill form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, beforeexplaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of the construction and to the arrangement of the componentsset forth in the following description or as illustrated in thedrawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposeof description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is substantially a fiont view of a gaming device of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is substantially a schematic diagram of a portion of the gamingdevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is substantially a schematic diagram of several of the gamingdevice of FIG. 1 connected in a network.

FIG. 4 is substantially a fiont view of FIG. 1 showing one possible gamedisplay.

FIG. 5 is substantially a front view of FIG. 1 showing another possiblegame display.

FIG. 6 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is substantially a flowchart of a progressive jackpot fundingmethod of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is substantially a flowchart of another progressive jackpotfunding method of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is substantially a flowchart of an additional progressive jackpotfumding method of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of thisapplication. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specificembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Game Apparatus

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment disclosed herein comprises a gamingapparatus or device, generally indicated by reference number 1O. Gamingdevice 10 comprises a primary game apparatus 20 and a bonus orprogressive jackpot game apparatus 30. Progressive jackpot gameapparatus 30 may comprise a display device 50. Game apparatus 20 may beany of a large number of devices that are adapted to allow players toplay a game. For example, game apparatus 20 may utilize reel displays,such as spinning reels 22-24 or a video display (not shown), to displayoutcomes of the game. Means may also be provided for accepting wagers,such as a coin slot 21 or card reader 25, and for awarding prizes, suchas a coin dispenser 27. A handle 26 and button 28 are provided foractivating game apparatus 20 to begin a game. In at least oneembodiment, game apparatus 20 may be an S Plus model gaming devicemanufactured by International Game Technology in Reno, Nev.

Game apparatus 20 may be controlled by an electronic controller 82 (seeFIG. 2) that utilizes a random number generator 83 (FIG. 2). The randomnumber generator produces a random or pseudo-random number for eachgame. The outcome of the game may be determined by comparing the randomnumber to a table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed bycontroller 82. A number of different tables of outcomes may be used anddifferent tables may be used for different games. The tables can bedesigned so that different prizes have different probabilities of beingawarded. Such design techniques are well known in gaming. Examples ofsuch designs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419, issued to Telnaes,and U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,465, issued to Durham. Controller 82 causesspinning reels 22-24 or the video display to show the outcome of thegame that corresponds to the outcome of the random number generator. Itis recognized that game apparatus 20 may operate in many other ways andstill achieve the objects of the present invention.

Game apparatus 20 may also be capable of producing a jackpot qualifigevent. This event may be many different types of events. For example, ajackpot qualifying event may comprise displaying a particular symbol,such as a “bonus” symbol, or combination of symbols, such as three “7”symbols, on reels 22-24 as shown in FIG. 1. If the game being played ispoker based, the jackpot qualifying event may be occurrence of a certainhand, such as a royal flush. Furthermore, a jackpot qualing event mayoccur when a player accumulates a number of symbols or game outcomesover a number of separate game plays. For example, a jackpot qualifyingevent may occur when the player receives three “jackpot” symbols duringa period of time. The jackpot qualifying event may be based on anexternal event. For example, a jackpot qualifig event may occur when agroup of players obtain a certain result.

Progressive Jackpot Game

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, progressive jackpot game apparatus 30 mayhave a housing 32 with a front panel 33. Housing 32 can be made frommany different materials such as metal or plastic and can includedecorative coverings or attachments and lights. A player input device 38can be mounted in housing 32. Player input devices 38 can be buttons orhandles or rotary knobs. Player input device 38 can allow a game playerto provide input to progressive jackpot game apparatus 30. A display 110such as a credit meter can be used to display prizes won on progressivejackpot game apparatus 30.

A display device 50 such as a video display can be mounted in frontpanel 33. Display device 50 can be any suitable display including videodisplays, plasma displays, LCD displays, LED meters and the like.Display device 50 may be a single display or can be more than onedisplay.

Display device 50 may be activated upon the occurrence of a jackpotqualifying event in primary game apparatus 20. As seen in FIG. 1,display device 50 is shown displaying four progressive jackpots.Progressive jackpots 52, 53, 54 and 55 are shown in separate areas ofdisplay device 50. Progressive jackpots 52-55 each have associatedindicia or award values 60, 61, 62 and 63 that can be awarded to aplayer as a prize. Award values 60-63 can be a wide variety of awards,such as trips, vouchers, gaming credits, comps for meals or hotels ormonetary awards. A game player playing gaming device 10 may be awardedone, two, three or all four of progressive jackpots 52-55.

With reference to FIG. 3, a network 150 of gaming devices 10 is shown.Network 150 can include several interconnected gaming devices 10A, 10B,10C and 10D. While four gaming devices are shown, more or less can beused. Gaming devices 10A-D can each have a game apparatus 20A-D and aprogressive jackpot game apparatus 30A-D, respectively. Each of gameapparatuses 20A-D can have a controller 82A-D and random numbergenerator 83A-D, respectively.

Gaming devices 10A-D may be in communication with a computer networkserver 160 through cables 168 such as an Ethernet cable. Server 160 canbe a conventional network server that contains a random number generator166, a controller or processor 164 and software that can operate on theprocessor.

Server 160 can collect and transmit game information and instructionsbetween server 160 and gaming devices 10A-10D. For example, server 160can apportion a percentage of each wager placed on gaming devices10A-10D to fund progressive jackpots 52-55.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, progressive jackpot game apparatus 30comprises a controller 76 that is adapted to control the operation ofthe game apparatus. Controller 76 may be one or more micro-computers orprocessor boards. Random number generator 77 may be in communicationwith controller 76. Random number generator 77 is capable of randomlygenerating a random number and providing the random number to controller76. As shown in FIG. 3, each of progressive jackpot game apparatuses30A-D contains controllers 76A-D and random number generators 77A-D,respectively. Controllers 76A-D are further in communication with andcan control display devices 50A-D.

It is recognized that controller 76 and random number generator 77 maybe a single processor or processor board. Furthermore, it is alsorecognized that controllers 76 and 82, and random number generators 77and 83 may be combined in a single processor or processor board. Each ofcontrollers 76A-D may be in communication with server 160 (FIG. 3).

Server 160 and controllers 76A-D can determine the size of progressivejackpots 52-55 (FIG. 1), determine the amount and method of fumding ofprogressive jackpots 52-55 and can cause each of display devices 50 ingaming devices 10A-D to display progressive jackpots 52-55 and theircurrent award values 60-63.

Controller 76 is adapted to detect when a jackpot qualifying eventoccurs in game apparatus 20. This may be accomplished by game apparatuscontroller 82 transmitting a signal to controller 76 that a jackpotqualifying event has occurred. For example, controller 82 may determinethe outcome of each game and when a jackpot qualifying event outcomeoccurs, it transmits a signal to controller 76. Alternatively,controller 76 may periodically interrogate controller 82. In anotherembodiment, one or more sensors may be provided for determig if ajackpot qualifying event has occurred. For example, sensors 84-86 maysense the positions of reels 22-24. When reels 22-24 are in ajackpotqualifying event activating position, controller 76 would sense thisposition and begin a progressive game sequence (described below).Sensors may also be provided external to gaming device 10 to detectexternal jackpot qualifying events.

Controllers 76A-D or 82A-D can each inform server 160 that ajackpotqualifying event has occurred in gaming devices 10A-D.

Controller 82 may also transmit a variety of information to controller76. For example, controller 82 may signal when coins or currency havebeen inserted, when a game starts, when an error has occurred, and whena sensor detects tampering.

When controller 76 detects a jackpot qualifying event, it may begin ajackpot sequence by activating display 110. Display 110 may comprisemany different kinds of display devices, such as video screens, lights,light emitting diodes, etc. Display 110 may comprise its own controllerthat is adapted to generate a variety of displays.

Display 110 may indicate that a player has qualified for a progressivejackpot and prompt the player to perform an action. In an embodiment,the player is prompted to start the award sequence by pressing inputdevice 38. Input device 38 may be a simple button, a keyboard, or atouch screen display.

When controller 76 detects input device 38 being activated, controller76 performs a routine to determine which of progressive jackpots 52-55will be awarded. In an embodiment, the progressive jackpots to beawarded are randomly selected. Random number generator 77 generates arandom number and supplies the random number to controller 76.Controller 76 compares the random number to a pay table similar to thatdescribed for game apparatus 20 or as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,823,874, issued to Adams. A simple pay table may appear as follows:

TABLE 1 Random Number Award 0.00 to 0.15 Jackpot 1 0.26 to 0.30 Jackpot2 0.31 to 0.45 Jackpot 3 0.46 to 0.60 Jackpot 4 0.61 to 0.65 Jackpots 1and 2 0.66 to 0.70 Jackpots 1 and 3 0.71 to 0.75 Jackpots 1 and 4 0.76to 0.80 Jackpots 2 and 3 0.81 to 0.85 Jackpots 2 and 4 0.86 to 0.90Jackpots 3 and 4 0.91 to 0.93 Jackpots 1, 2 and 3 0.94 to 0.95 Jackpots1, 2 and 4 0.96 to 0.98 Jackpots 2, 3 and 4 0.99 to 1.00 Jackpots 1, 2,3 and 4

For example, if the random number generator produced 0.64, progressivejackpots 1 and 2 would be indicated as being won and the award amountcontained by progressive jackpots 1 and 2 would be added and awarded tothe player. If the random number generator produced 0.28, progressivejackpot 2 would be indicated as being won and the award amount containedby progressive jackpot 2 would be awarded to the player. This embodimentis not necessarily limited to the example pay table shown. A larger orless number of progressive jackpots may be used. Furthermore, differentkinds of prizes may be awarded along with a progressive jackpot. Forexample, a progressive jackpot and a vacation could be awarded or aprogressive jackpot and an award to play additional games could beawarded.

Once controller 76 randomly determines which progressive jackpots are tobe awarded, controller 76 causes display device 50 to indicate theprogressive jackpot or jackpots that have been won. With reference nowto FIG. 4, display device 50 is shown indicating that the game playerhas won progressive jackpot 2. An indicator 65 such as an arrow may beilluminated or flashed above progressive jackpot 2 in order for a gameplayer to clearly see what they have won. At the same time, award values60, 62 and 63 (FIG. 1) for progressive jackpots 52, 54 and 55 may beremoved from display device 50 in order to eliminate any confusion as towhich progressive jackpots have been won. If more than one progressivejackpot is to be awarded, an indicator 65 can be illuminated or flashedadjacent to each progressive jackpot that is to be awarded.

Controller 76 may then cause display 110 to display the total prize, ifany, that the player has won. The amount of each progressive jackpot maybe added by controller 76 and then shown on display 110. Other effectsmay also be presented, such as pre-recorded sound from speakers. If theactual prize is money, the amount of the prize may be added to theplayer's credit meter or dispensed.

After controller 76 randomly determines which progressive jackpots areto be awarded, controller 76 informs server 160 of the progressivejackpots awards. Server 160 then updates display devices 50A-D on eachof gaming devices 10A-D with at least one new progressive award value.For example, if gaming device 10B was awarded progressive jackpot 53,the award value shown for progressive jackpot 53 on display device 5OBwould be set to zero and would then start accumulating value as it isfunded.

It is also possible to replace the primary display of a gaming devicewith display device 50. Game apparatus 20 may be entirely replaced bydisplay device 50. In other words progressive jackpot game apparatus 30can be used as a primary or base game apparatus.

Turning now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a gaming device 500 isshown. Gaming device 500 is similar to gaming device 10 except thatprogressive jackpot game apparatus 530 includes one or more hidden ormysteryj ackpots 510.

Mystery jackpot 510 would be funded and accumulate an award value in thesame manner as progressive jackpots 52-55. The award value ofmysteryjackpot 510 would only be revealed or shown to the game player after thegame player has won the mystery jackpot.

Game Play Flow Chart

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flowchart of a method of game play 200 usinggaming devices 10 and network 150 is shown. At step 202, a player mayinitiate game play method 200 by placing a wager on gaming device 10.The wager may be in the form of cash or credit from actual domestic orforeign currency, vouchers, coupons, tickets, electronic cards, andother sources or forms of wagers known in the art. Once the playerinitiates game play method 200, the primary game random number generatorgenerates a first random number and randomly determines the base gameoutcome at step 203. Next, the player may play a base or primary game onthe game apparatus 20 at step 204.

At step 206, the controller detects the occurrence of a jackpotqualifying event. If the controller does not detect a jackpot qualifyingevent, method 200 proceeds to step 300 where the progressive jackpotfunding is determined. Step 300 is explained in fturther detail later.After the progressive jackpot fumding is determined in step 300, theprogressive jackpots are incremented in step 210. Next, the controllernotifies the player of the game outcome from the base game at step 208.The player may place a wager (step 202) again and repeat steps 203, 204and 206 to continue playing a game on the game apparatus 20.

If the controller detects a jackpot qualifying event at step 206, theprogressive jackpot game random number generator generates a secondrandom number and randomly determines the progressive jackpot outcome oraward at step 212. The controller may award 1, 2, 3 or all 4 of theprogressive jackpots as an award to the game player. Next at step 214,the controller displays the progressive jackpots that have been won. Theplayer is awarded any prizes at step 216.

The steps shown in the flowchart do not necessarily imply that the stepshave to take place in a particular order. The order of steps may bevaried; some steps may be eliminated; and, some steps may be replacedwith other steps. Such variations still fall within the scope of theinvention.

First Method of Funding Several Progressive Jackpots

Referring now to FIG. 7, a method 300 of determining the funding ofseveral progressive jackpots using gaming devices 10 and network 150 isshown. A portion of the wagers placed on each gaming device 10 isreserved to increase the amounts of the progressive jackpots. In method300, the distribution percentages of the total available contributionamount to each progressive jackpot are randomly determined by thecontroller.

Method 300 may include receiving from network 150 (FIG. 3) a totalamount to be contributed or allocated to several progressive jackpots instep 302. The total amount can be a monetary amount or can be in theform of other prizes. Server 160 (FIG. 3) can determine a percentage ofeach wager placed on gaming devices 10A-10D (FIG. 3) to fund severalprogressive jackpots. For example, two percent of each wager placed onthe gaming devices may be allocated to fund the progressive jackpots.

At step 304, server random number generator 166 (FIG. 3) generates arandom number and compares the random number to a distribution table todetermine the percentage allocation of the total amount to be added toeach of the progressive jackpots. This step would be repeated for eachof the progressive jackpots.

A sample distribution table may appear as follows:

TABLE 1 Random Number Funding Percentage 0.00 to 0.10 10% 0.11 to 0.2020% 0.21 to 0.30 30% 0.31 to 0.40 40% 0.41 to 0.50 50% 0.51 to 0.60 60%0.61 to 0.70 70% 0.71 to 0.80 80% 0.81 to 0.90 90% 0.91 to 1.00 100%

For example, for progressive jackpot 1, if the random number generatorproduced 0.18, progressive jackpot 1 would be incremented by an amountequal to the total amount multiplied by 0.20. For progressive jackpot 2,the next random number generated is constrained to be less than 0.8.This is required so that the progressive jackpot funding is not morethan the total amount of base game wagers received to be allocated.Assume that for progressive jackpot 2, the random number produced is0.72.

Progressive jackpot 2 would be incremented by an amount equal to thetotal amount multiplied by 0.80. Since the total amount to be allocatedto the jackpots has now been allocated to jackpots 1 and 2, jackpots 3and 4 would receive no additional funding and their amounts would notchange.

At step 306, method 300 determines the amount that each progressivejackpot will be incremented. All of the progressive jackpots areincremented and displayed to the game player on display devices 50A-D(FIG. 3) in step 210.

Method 300 then returns to step 208 of FIG. 6 where the controllernotifies the player of the game outcome from the base game at step 208.The player may place a wager (step 202) again and repeat steps 203, 204and 206 to continue playing a game on the game apparatus.

The steps shown in the flowchart do not necessarily imply that the stepshave to take place in a particular order. The order of steps may bevaried; some steps may be eliminated; and, some steps may be replacedwith other steps.

Second Method of Funding Several Progressive Jackpots

Referring now to FIG. 8, another method 320 of determining the fundingof several progressive jackpots using gaming devices 10 and network 150(FIG. 3) is shown. In method 320, the distribution percentages arepre-determined and the controller randomly selects the distribution froma list of distributions.

Method 320 may include receiving from the network a total amount to beallocated to several progressive jackpots in step 302. The total amountcan be a monetary amount or can be in the form of other prizes. Server160 (FIG. 3) can determine a percentage of each wager placed on gamingdevices 10A-10D (FIG. 3) to fund several progressive jackpots. Forexample, two percent of each wager placed on the gaming devices may beallocated to fund the progressive jackpots.

At step 324, server random number generator 166 (FIG. 3) generates arandom number and compares the random number to a list of distributionsto determine the percentage allocation of the total amount to be addedto each of the progressive jackpots.

A sample list of distributions may appear as follows:

TABLE 1 Random Number Distribution 0.00 to 0.20 Jackpot 1 - 10% Jackpot2 - 30% Jackpot 3 - 30% Jackpot 4 - 25% 0.21 to 0.40 Jackpot 1 - 25%Jackpot 2 - 25% Jackpot 3 - 25% Jackpot 4 - 25% 0.41 to 0.60 Jackpot 1 -20% Jackpot 2 - 20% Jackpot 3 - 10% Jackpot 4 - 50% 0.61 to 0.80 Jackpot1 - 10% Jackpot 2 - 0% Jackpot 3 - 20% Jackpot 4 - 70% 0.81 to 1.00Jackpot 1 - 40% Jackpot 2 - 0% Jackpot 3 - 60% Jackpot 4 - 0%

For example, if the random number generator produced 0.68, progressivejackpot 1 would be incremented by an amount equal to the total amountmultiplied by 0.10, progressive jackpot 2 would be incremented by anamount equal to the total amount multiplied by 0.0, progressive jackpot3 would be incremented by an amount equal to the total amount multipliedby 0.20 and progressive jackpot 4 would be incremented by an amountequal to the total amount multiplied by 0.70.

At step 306, method 320 deterines the amount that each progressivejackpot will be incremented. All of the progressive jackpots areincremented and displayed to the game player on display devices 50A-D(FIG. 3) in step 210.

Method 320 then returns to step 208 of FIG. 6 where the controllernotifies the player of the game outcome from the base game at step 208.The player may place a wager (step 2020) again and repeat steps 203, 204and 206 to continue playing a game on the game apparatus.

The steps shown in the flowchart do not necessarily imply that the stepshave to take place in a particular order. The order of steps may bevaried; some steps may be eliminated; and, some steps may be replacedwith other steps.

Third Method of Funding Several Progressive Jackpots

Referring now to FIG. 9, another method 340 of determining the fundingof several progressive jackpots using gaming devices 10 and network 150(FIG. 3) is shown. Method 340 applies the same distribution for a giventime period. The time period may be pre-determined or may be randomlydetermined. Method 340 may include receiving from network 150 a totalamount to be allocated to several progressive jackpots in step 302. Thetotal amount can be a monetary amount or can be in the form of otherprizes. Server 160 (FIG. 3) can determine a percentage of each wagerplaced on gaming devices 10A-10D (FIG. 3) to fund several progressivejackpots. For example, two percent of each wager placed on the gamingdevices may be allocated to fund the progressive jackpots.

At step 306, method 340 determines the amount that each progressivejackpot will be incremented using the distribution percentages that arein effect for the current time period. These would be the distributionpercentages that were used in a previous game cycle. If the current gamecycle is the first game cycle, the controller determines an initialdistribution to start the game. All of the progressive jackpots areincremented and displayed to the game player on display devices 50A-D(FIG. 3) in step 210.

Method 340 then proceeds to decision 342 where the expiration of thetime period is checked. The time period may be pre-determined or may berandomly determined. If the time period has not expired, method 340returns to step 208 of FIG. 6 where the controller notifies the playerof the game outcome from the base game at step 208. The player may placea wager (step 202) again and repeat steps 203, 204 and 206 to continueplaying a game on the game apparatus.

If the time period has expired, method 340 proceeds to step 304. At step304, server random number generator 166 (FIG. 3) generates a randomnumber and compares the random number to a distribution table todetermine the percentage allocation of the total amount to be added toeach of the progressive jackpots. This step would be repeated for eachof the progressive jackpots.

A sample distribution table may appear as follows:

TABLE 1 Random Number Funding Percentage 0.00 to 0.10 10% 0.11 to 0.2020% 0.21 to 0.30 30% 0.31 to 0.40 40% 0.41 to 0.50 50% 0.51 to 0.60 60%0.61 to 0.70 70% 0.71 to 0.80 80% 0.81 to 0.90 90% 0.91 to 1.00 100%

For example, for progressive jackpot 1, if the random number generatorproduced 0.18, progressive jackpot 1 would be incremented by an amountequal to the total amount multiplied by 0.20. For progressive jackpot 2,the next random number generated is constrained to be less than 0.8.This is required so that the progressive jackpot funding is not morethan the total amount of base game wagers received to be allocated.

Assume that for progressive jackpot 2, the random number produced is0.27. Progressive jackpot 2 would be incremented by an amount equal tothe total amount multiplied by 0.30.

For progressive jackpot 3, the random number produced is 0.13.Progressive jackpot 2 would be incremented by an amount equal to thetotal amount multiplied by 0.20.

Assume that for progressive jackpot 4, the random number produced is0.27. Progressive jackpot 4 would be incremented by an amount equal tothe total amount multiplied by 0.30. Method 340 then proceeds to step306 that was previously described.

The steps shown in the flowchart do not necessarily imply that the stepshave to take place in a particular order. The order of steps may bevaried; some steps may be eliminated; and, some steps may be replacedwith other steps.

Although the description above contains many specifications, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing illustrations of some of the embodiments of thisinvention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by theappended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examplesgiven.

1. A gaining device comprising: (A) a first controller having a firstrandom number generator, the first controller configured to: (a) accepta primary game wager; (b) determine a primary game outcome, the primarygame outcome including a primary game payout and a jackpot qualifyingevent; (c) award a primary game prize if the primary game outcome is aprimary game payout; (B) a second controller in communication with thefirst controller, the second controller having a second random numbergenerator, the second controller configured to: (a) display a pluralityof progressive jackpots, if the primary game outcome is a jackpotqualifying event; and (b) award at least one of the plurality ofprogressive jackpots.
 2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein all ofthe progressive jackpots are awarded.
 3. The gaming device of claim 1,wherein at least one of the progressive jackpots is a hidden jackpot. 4.The gaming device of claim 1, wherein all of the progressive jackpotsare randomly incremented.
 5. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein allof the progressive jackpots are incremented equally.
 6. The gamingdevice of claim 1, wherein a jackpot contribution from the primary gamewager is randomly distributed to the plurality of progressive jackpotsby randomly changing a percentage of the jackpot contribution to eachprogressive jackpot.
 7. The gaming device of claim 6, wherein the randompercentage is determined by a third random number generator.
 8. Thegaming device of claim 1, wherein a jackpot contribution from theprimary game wager is randomly distributed to the plurality ofprogressive jackpots by randomly selecting a pre-determined distributionfrom a plurality of distributions.
 9. A method of gaming, comprising,not all necessarily in the order shown: (A) accepting a wager; (B)generating a first random number using a first random number generator,the first random number generator associated with a primary gameoutcome, the primary game outcome including a progressive jackpotqualifying event and a primary game payout; (C) playing a primary game;(D) generating a second random number using a second random numbergenerator, if the primary game outcome is the progressive jackpotqualifying event, the second random number associated with a pluralityof progressive jackpots; (E) displaying the plurality of progressivejackpots; and (F) awarding at least one of the plurality of progressivejackpots.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising awarding all ofthe progressive jackpots.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein at leastone of the progressive jackpots is a hidden jackpot.
 12. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising randomly incrementing each of theprogressive jackpots.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein all of theprogressive jackpots are incremented equally.
 14. The method of claim 9,wherein a jackpot contribution from a primary game wager is randomlydistributed to the plurality of progressive jackpots by randomlychanging a percentage of the jackpot contribution to each progressivejackpot.
 15. The gaming device of claim 14, wherein the randompercentage is determined by a third random number generator.
 16. Thegaming device of claim 9, wherein a jackpot contribution from a primarygame wager is randomly distributed to the plurality of progressivejackpots by randomly selecting a pre-determined distribution from aplurality of distributions.
 17. A gaming method comprising, but notnecessarily in the order shown: (A) allowing a player to place a wagerand play a game of chance; (B) determining a first game outcome, thefirst game outcome comprising ajackpot qualifying event and a first gamepayout; (C) if the first game outcome comprises the jackpot qualifyingevent: (a) displaying a plurality of progressive jackpots (b) selectingat least one of the progressive jackpots to be awarded; and (c) awardingthe at least one progressive jackpot to the player.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising if the first game outcome is the first gamepayout: (A) determining a progressive jackpot contribution from thewager; and (B) randomly distributing the progressive jackpotcontribution to each of the progressive jackpots.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, fiuther comprising if the first game outcome is the first gamepayout: (A) determining a progressive jackpot contribution from thewager; and (B) randomly distributing the progressive jackpotcontribution to each of the progressive jackpots by randomly selecting apre-determined distribution from a plurality of distributions.
 20. Agaming device comprising: (A) gaming means for allowing a player to playa game; (B) controller means for determining a jackpot qualifying event;(C) display means for displaying a plurality of progressive jackpots;(D) random number means for selecting at least one of the progressivejackpots to be awarded; and (E) award means for awarding the progressivejackpots.
 21. The gaming device of claim 20, wherein the random numbermeans selects at least two of the progressive jackpots to award.
 22. Thegaming device of claim 20, wherein the random number means selects allof the progressive jackpots to award.
 23. The gaming device of claim 20,further comprising distribution means for randomly distributing acontribution amount to each of the progressive jackpots.